Man arraigned in court for allegedly groping girls at Mineola street fair

A Mineola man accused of inappropriately touching two young girls at a street fair was arraigned in court Monday.

News 12 Staff

Sep 23, 2019, 11:05 AM

Updated 1,689 days ago

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A Mineola man accused of inappropriately touching two young girls at a street fair was arraigned in court Monday. 
Police say a 14-year-old girl told her parent that Peter Koonanikal grabbed her while she was walking at the Mineola street fair Sunday.  
According to police, the girl took a picture of the man, who was then found by the girl's parent, allegedly groping another girl. That's when police say they made the arrest. 
Officials say the 58-year-old man is facing multiple charges for inappropriately touching the two young girls.
By telephone, a representative from the Mineola Chamber of Commerce told News 12 they were very disappointed that the alleged incidents happened at the fair but were pleased that an arrest was made so quickly.
Koonanikal pleaded not guilty in court.
His attorney says Koonanikal is a family man. He says, “He has no criminal history whatsoever. He's 58 years old, no prior contacts."
Koonanikal is being held on a $30,000 bond.
He's due back in court later this week. 
Police are asking anyone who may have been a victim of Koonanikal to call police at 516-573-6353.


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